Authorities in Victoria are appealing for assistance as the family and friends of an elderly couple who went missing on Saturday are urging them to return home safely.
The couple, 89-year-old Colin and 83-year-old Claudette, left an aged care facility located near Wheelers Hill at around 11:15 AM on Saturday. They were last spotted driving their white Mazda 2 on the Monash Freeway heading west, with CCTV footage capturing them at The Glen Shopping Centre around midday, followed by a brief stop at Brandon Park Shopping Centre shortly after.
The couple’s daughter, Linda McKelvie, expressed her deep concern for their well-being, noting that their recent stay in respite care had been challenging for them. “It was a big adjustment, and they found it overwhelming. They prefer to be at home together,” McKelvie stated, suggesting that their desire to reunite may have influenced their decision to leave the care facility.
Linda highlighted that this behavior is unusual for her parents, particularly given their age and health issues. Colin has been experiencing short-term memory loss and has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, while Claudette is recovering from falls and requires a wheelchair along with daily seizure medication.
On Sunday, police confirmed that the couple had visited a pharmacy to collect several medications, but it’s unclear how long these supplies would last. Linda conveyed her family’s anxiety, emphasizing the impact on their great-grandchildren, and made a heartfelt plea: “Please come home, mum and dad, or at least call us. We’re all worried about you; we’re just waiting for you to return.”
After learning that the couple had checked out of the aged care facility, neighbor Sharon Jeikishore visited their home in Glen Waverley but found no signs of them. “It was completely silent; there were no lights on, and after knocking several times without a response, I started to feel alarmed,” she recounted.
Colin and Claudette, who have shared 65 years of marriage, are described by those close to them as inseparable companions. “They would do anything for each other; they are truly best friends,” Jeikishore remarked.
Acting Inspector Luke McDonald indicated that this was not the first instance of the couple trying to leave the care facility, suggesting that they may have been dissatisfied with their living situation. “I’ve heard that they might have attempted to leave earlier in the week,” he noted.
Anyone who has seen Colin and Claudette is strongly encouraged to contact Triple Zero, while those with any relevant information are asked to reach out to the Glen Waverley Police Station.
